Arctic Innovation Competition offers cash for bright ideas

Fairbanks, Alaska—The University of Alaska Fairbanks School of Management will award more than $19,000 in cash prizes through its annual Arctic Innovation Competition.

The competition, now in its third year, asks entrants to propose new, feasible and potentially profitable ideas. The deadline to submit an entry is Sept. 30, 2011.

Last year, more than 200 ideas were submitted from around the world. Last year’s $10,000 winner was Chris Hunter, with an idea for an efficient electric vehicle that works in arctic environments. Runners up were Kevin Tubbs, who proposed an environmentally-friendly foil container for carbonated beverages; paramedic John Henrichs, who offered a concept for an emergency backboard that weighs patients; and William Manning, who had an idea for a super-efficient way to burn fuel at extreme temperatures.

"The AIC is entering its third year stronger than ever,” said AIC founder and UAF professor Ping Lan. “Our continued success is due, in large part, to the creativity and ingenuity of the competitors. I look forward to seeing them raise the bar yet again for the 2011 competition.”

The competition is open to the public and there is no entry fee. Individuals or groups with an idea for solving real-life problems are encouraged to enter. Entrants are eligible to win an Alaska Airlines ticket. After the initial screening process, finalists will present their ideas to judges Oct. 21 from 5-7 p.m. in the UAF Wood Center ballroom with a reception to follow. Twenty winners will be selected to receive cash prizes ranging from $100 to $10,000. The public is invited to attend. More information is available online at www.arcticinno.com.